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18-year-old impresses right out of the gate

  • Article by: LA VELLE E. NEAL III , Star Tribune
  • Updated: August 16, 2008 - 6:27 PM
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poonerdogAug. 16, 08 6:37 PM

didn't learn how to hit though until the Twins magical 2006 season. I believe Torii forced himself to become a hitter out of embarrassment. If you recall, the whole team caught fire around June 11 of that season, and Torii was a late entrance into that fire because he was hitting crappy like he always pretty much had. Then all of a sudden, he was on fire at the plate too like everyone else. He has been a decent hitter ever since.

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rkimble84Aug. 16, 08 6:49 PM

Torii adapted and Jacque couldn't.

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poiuytrewqAug. 16, 08 7:44 PM

Yes pooner you are correct. He was an easy strikeout before that. Chased every down and away pitch thrown.

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eaganmafiaAug. 16, 08 8:08 PM

How are you gonna say Torii didn't become a good hitter until 2006 when the highiest OPS he posted in his career was 2002.

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smatt76Aug. 16, 08 8:36 PM

Torii hacked as mentioned, but go back and look at the playoffs in 2003 or 2004 against the Yankees. He was just about the only guy on the team hitting. And from that point on, he was pretty good in the clutch. He was never going to be a high average hitter, but his HR's increased, and was certainly solid enough. Saying he never hit prior to 2006 is too harsh.

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funkytownAug. 16, 08 9:15 PM

Last year's #3 pick, a CF, still 18, ripping it up with 15 HRs hitting in the 7th spot at Eliz. .325+ average. Hughes hit his third HR at AAA Saturday night.

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josh1524Aug. 16, 08 9:46 PM

So are center fielders all we develop? That and starting pitchers?

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Oban17Aug. 16, 0810:23 PM

It's going to be intesting in 2-3 years when Hicks is dominating in Rochester and we're gonna already have Young, Gomez, and Span in the Outfield(assuming we trade Cuddyer). Cause we can't jst trade Hicks away, we're gonna have to use him for at least a couple years

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SethDStohsAug. 16, 0810:50 PM

CF are great athletes and can move to corner positions. Ben Revere could move to 2B. For now, just let them play and see what happens. Right now, I'm all about Angel Morales though. He is the total package. So is Hicks, but everyone is talking about him.

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PooOnUAug. 16, 0811:19 PM

Realize that comparisons are helpful. But it seems really unfair to Hicks and others.

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